ES2389691T3 - Self-locking safety device for firearm and procedure to secure a firearm - Google Patents

Abstract

Locking element (42) to be inserted into a cartridge chamber (420) of a firearm, in which said blocking element is provided with a proximal end (220) and a distal end (260) comprising: an outer sleeve (14) with a movable operating element (16) provided therein, wherein the sleeve (14) comprises a diameter such that the locking element (42) is tightly fitted within the cartridge chamber (420) from the side of the cartridge chamber, being a diameter greater than the diameter of the barrel (6) of the firearm, wherein said operative element (16) is movably provided within at least one lockout element (18), wherein the operative element (16) is shaped and provided such that when the locking element (42) is inserted with the distal end first in the cartridge chamber, the operating element (16) is moved in and with respect to the sleeve (14) in the distal direction, so that the al less a deblocking element (18) moves to a retracted state, where the operative element is deflected by a spring element (31) in the proximal direction so that when the operative element (16) is moved inside the sleeve (14 ) in the direction of the proximal end, the operating element (16) causes the at least one locking element (18) to be forced outwardly and pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420) thus blocking the cartridge chamber, where the at least one locking element (18) is pressed further against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420) if external pressure is applied from the distal end to the operating element (16), and an actuator to unlock the locking element, wherein the actuator is adapted to temporarily prevent a relative movement of the operating element (16) in the proximal direction.

Description

Self-locking safety device for firearm and procedure to secure a firearm

The present invention relates to a blocking device and a method for blocking a cartridge chamber, in particular of a long firearm. The blocking device according to the present invention is generally provided in the cartridge chamber to block the cartridge chamber of a long firearm and makes it impossible for the firearm to be fired.

Document DE 198 41 107 A1 (ProSafeArms), for example, describes a safety device in which the cartridge magazine or revolver cartridge chamber is locked. To do this, a safety sleeve is first inserted into the cartridge magazine through the normal loading process. In addition, a guide tube with a notch bolt is inserted from the barrel mouth in the direction of the cartridge magazine. To lock the cartridge magazine, the notch pin snaps into the safety sleeve. In addition, a closure is provided at the end of the guide tube which may be, for example, a combination lock, a safety lock or a padlock, and which prevents unauthorized removal of the notch bolt and the safety sleeve from the outside. However, such a safety device has the disadvantage that the lock can be easily broken from the outside and therefore does not offer reliable protection. In addition, such a safety device is not suitable for long firearms that would require a very long guide tube within the long barrel of a long firearm.

In addition, a security element is known from US Pat. 5 950 344 (Omega) that is inserted into the barrel of a firearm and can expand into the barrel in a way that locks the barrel. The safety element comprises a compression shaft with a socket at one end. The compression shaft passes through a hole in an expandable portion (preferably made of rubber) and ends in a threaded portion that engages in a threaded tube. If the socket is rotated and therefore the compression shaft, the threaded portion penetrates the threaded tube and causes the expandable portion to be compressed and expanded. However, such a security element in which the expandable portion is made for example of a rubber material has the disadvantage that it can be easily removed and therefore does not offer reliable protection. In addition, the handling of the security element is complicated, and requires several actions to place the security element in the barrel and to remove it.

In addition, document DE 38 36 361 A1 describes a device for securing firearms with tilting cannons. A rod is provided at its front end with a hemispherical plug that has the same diameter as the rod, which can be inserted into the barrel of the weapon and then locked, for example, with a padlock. On the other hand, the rear end of the rod is provided with a closure in the form of a collar type shutter, wherein the collar type shutter is wider than the diameter of the barrel of the firearm. The front end of the rod is inserted into a firearm tilting barrel until the collar-type shutter is flush with the barrel, while the other end is closed with a lock so that the rod cannot be pulled out. of the canyon Such a design implies the disadvantage that the lock can be easily broken or the gun barrel can simply be sawn. Therefore, the device does not offer reliable protection against unauthorized users. In addition, it can only be used on weapons with tilting cannons.

U.S. Pat. No. 5 860 241 refers to an electronic gun barrel lock that includes an electronic lock enclosure, a lock shaft member, and an optional lock sleeve. The locking sheath, when used, is disposed within a firearm bullet chamber, and is adapted to fit both the firearm bullet chamber and the locking shaft member. The locking shaft member extends through the barrel bore, and includes an elongated locking bar with the possibility of axial movement that can be moved between an unlocked position in which the locking bar can slide with respect to the sheath of blocking (or with respect to the bullet chamber if no blocking sheath is used) and a locked position in which the blocking rod is restricted in its axial movement with respect to the blocking sheath (or with respect to the chamber of bullet). Again, such a device is inconvenient for long firearms that would require a very long locking shaft member that extends over the entire length of the barrel bore of a long firearm.

WO 2004/008058 A1 also describes a safety device for firearms that can be introduced into the barrel of a firearm. For this, a clamping means with expandable clamping jaws is actuated from the outside by rotating an armature connected to an expansion thread. According to one example, the safety device comprises a locking portion that can be fixed by tightening the barrel and can be removed therefrom. The locking portion allows a positive and frictional engagement with the inside of the gun barrel. In addition, a deactivation element is provided with an additional actuator. The safety device can only be unlocked when the deactivation element releases the expansion thread so that it can be rotated. In one embodiment, the armature can also be connected to a coupling means that rotates the armature such that, for example, the safety device is unlocked when the actuator releases the expansion thread through the deactivation element.

WO 51/01476A describes a blocking member that forms a starting point for independent claim 1.

The object of the present invention is to provide a blocking element, an operating unit for operating the blocking element and a method for reliably blocking a firearm, preferably a long barrel gun, which can also be manipulated with ease and speed

This object is achieved by a blocking element according to claim 1, an operating unit according to claim 17 and a method for blocking a blocking element according to claim 19. Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The blocking element of the present invention has the advantage that it can reliably block the cartridge chamber of a firearm, in particular of a long firearm, in both directions, that is, from the side of the mouth from the barrel and from the side of the cartridge chamber. In addition, the blocking element can be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly from the side of the cartridge, in particular by means of an operating unit that preferably operates the blocking element preferably through an electronic device and an actuator. Furthermore, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the blocking element can be inserted into the cartridge chamber without using any additional operating element, for example simply by hand inserting the blocking element into the cartridge chamber. According to this embodiment, the operating element is simply used to remove the blocking element. However, as will be discussed in detail below, it may be preferable to insert the blocking element according to the present invention by means of the operating element, which may provide a better "pre-blocking". The blocking element according to the present invention has the additional advantage that it is small, which reduces the surface of the device susceptible to attack.

An additional advantage of the present invention is provided by the outer dimensions of the locking element that allow easy insertion of the locking element into the cartridge chamber and, optionally, partially into the barrel (of a long gun) from the side of The cartridge chamber. The outer dimensions of the locking element are preferably adapted to the dimensions and shape of a cartridge chamber (of a long gun) such that the locking element fits tightly in the cartridge chamber, but is prevented from advancing by the inside of the canyon In other words, blocking in the direction that goes from the cartridge chamber to the mouth of the barrel is achieved by the external geometric dimensions of the blocking element. In particular, the locking element preferably comprises a substantially cylindrical shape, preferably similar to a cartridge, with a diameter that allows a tight fit within the cartridge chamber. Since the diameter of the cartridge chamber is greater than the diameter of the barrel, and the diameter of the blocking element is greater than that of the barrel (but slightly smaller than that of the cartridge chamber), the geometric dimensions allow insertion only until The locking element abuts the junction between the cartridge chamber and the barrel.

Since the adapted outer dimensions of the locking element easily achieve the blocking or closing of the cartridge chamber from one direction, that is, the direction that goes from the side of the cartridge chamber to the side of the barrel mouth, it results advantageous that it is only necessary to provide a locking mechanism for the other direction, that is, the direction that goes from the side of the barrel mouth to the side of the cartridge chamber.

In particular, the present invention relates to a blocking element to be inserted into a cartridge chamber of a firearm, wherein said blocking element is provided with a proximal end and a distal end. The blocking element comprises an outer sleeve or sheath with a movable operating element provided therein. The sleeve comprises a diameter such that the locking element can be inserted so that it fits tightly in the cartridge chamber from the part of the cartridge chamber, and preferably fits tightly in the cartridge chamber, for example the diameter of the sleeve It is slightly smaller than the cartridge chamber. The diameter of the sleeve is larger than the diameter of the gun barrel. The operating element is provided so that it can be moved within at least one blocking element. The operating element is shaped and provided in such a way that when the locking element is inserted with the distal end first into the cartridge chamber, the operating element can move inside the sleeve in the distal direction, particularly when a " insertion force "to a connector bracket that is connected to the operating element. Such relative movement of the operating element within the sleeve causes at least one blocking element to move to a retracted state.

The locking element of the present invention provides a locking mechanism, wherein the operating element is shaped and provided such that when the operating element is moved inside the sleeve in the direction towards the proximal end, the operating element causes the less a blocking element is forced radially outward and pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber, thereby blocking the cartridge chamber. The blocking element of the present invention provides a self-locking mechanism wherein the at least one blocking element is further pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber if external pressure is applied from the distal end to the operating element. The blocking element according to the

The present invention further comprises an actuator for unlocking the locking element, wherein the actuator is adapted to temporarily prevent a relative movement of the operating element in the proximal direction.

The actuator is adapted to temporarily fix the position between the operating element and the outer sleeve. In other words, to unlock the locking element, that is, to keep the locking elements in the retracted position, it is preferred that the relative position between the operating element and the sleeve be temporarily fixed during the time the actuator is activated. However, it is also possible that the actuator comprises at least one stable state or a plurality of stable states, for example, a stable state in the unlocked position that can be maintained without providing power to the actuator. In other words, the actuator can be activated to change to said stable state that temporarily blocks or fixes the operating element with respect to the sleeve. When the actuator is supplied with energy again, the actuator can release said stable state so that the sleeve is not fixed to the operating element, that is, the operating element can move within the sleeve.

The actuator can be operated through an electronic device. The electronic device is preferably located inside the sleeve.

The operating element is preferably constructed in such a way that the at least one blocking element is moved to a position in which said at least one blocking element is retracted and not pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber when said operating element is moved in the distal direction with respect to the sleeve and the locking elements preferably remain in the retracted position when said operating element is prevented from moving back in the proximal direction.

It is further preferred that the operating element be projected in part beyond the sleeve at the distal end, such that it is placed in the barrel when the locking element is inside the cartridge chamber. This projection prevents the sleeve from being accessible, for example to manipulators, from the side of the barrel mouth when the locking element is locked in the cartridge chamber.

The operating element preferably comprises a conical portion to force the at least one locking element radially outward in the direction of the cartridge chamber. This conical portion also ensures the effect of self-locking, that is, the at least one blocking element is pressed further against the wall of the cartridge chamber if external pressure is applied to the operating element from the distal end.

The blocking element according to the present invention comprises a spring element for moving or forcing the operating element in the proximal direction with respect to the sleeve such that the at least one blocking element is radially forced outward, for example, The at least one blocking element is pressed against the (inner wall of the) cartridge chamber when the blocking element is located in the cartridge chamber.

The sleeve preferably comprises at the distal end a shoulder portion to abut against the joint between the cartridge chamber and the barrel. It is further preferred that the shape of the shoulder portion be adapted to the shape of the junction between the cartridge chamber and the barrel such that the contact surface is maximized. In particular, the shoulder of the blocking element preferably comprises a conical angle (the angle of the shoulder relative to the longitudinal axis of the blocking element) substantially equal to that of the joint between the cartridge chamber and the barrel.

The sleeve preferably comprises recesses, openings or windows such that the at least one locking element can extend partially beyond the sleeve and be pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber. The blocking element preferably forms a friction connection with the cartridge wall when the blocking element extends or projects out of the recesses. It is further preferred that the recesses have an oval shape such that the blocking element can move along the longitudinal axis of the blocking element.

The blocking element preferably comprises a plurality of blocking elements, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or even more. These blocking elements are preferably arranged radially symmetrically around the blocking element.

It is further preferred that the at least one blocking element is spherical, preferably a ball.

It is even more preferred that the blocking element or elements be made of a material that is substantially harder than the material of the cartridge chamber.

The locking element may further comprise a connector support at the proximal end. It is preferred that this connector support is movable within the sleeve and preferably is attached (for example fixed) to the operating element. The connector support and the operating element may be fixedly connected and preferably be made of one piece. Preferably, the operative element is provided at the distal end.

of the blocking element and is connected (preferably through at least one intermediate element) to a proximal end element, preferably fixedly connected to said element. According to another preferred embodiment, the operative element is rotatably connected to the proximal end element, that is, the proximal end element can be rotated with respect to the operative element. The proximal end element and the operating element are preferably movable within the sleeve, that is, movable with respect to the sleeve. According to a preferred embodiment, the operating element is movable longitudinally and / or movably rotatable with respect to the sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the proximal end element and, optionally, the intermediate elements are longitudinally movable and / or rotatably movable with respect to the sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the proximal end element is longitudinally movable and / or rotatably movable with respect to the operating element.

The proximal end element is preferably a connector support. Said connector support preferably comprises a connector. In particular, if the connector support and the operating element are mounted in such a way that a relative movement between the two is possible, an attack for handling purposes that is carried out with a rotating drill to the connector support will not transfer the torque from the connector support to the operating element.

The actuator preferably activates a temporary fixing means to temporarily prevent a relative movement of the operating element in the proximal direction.

It is further preferred that the temporary fixation means comprise, for example, a movable cage with a rolling element guide with at least one ball element to form a stop per stop ball in order to temporarily prevent relative movement (within the sleeve) of the operating element in the proximal direction.

The actuator may comprise at least a first wire element and / or an electric motor and / or a magnet array where the magnet array preferably comprises at least one coil.

The blocking element may comprise a second wire element that provides a force directed in the opposite direction to the first wire element when both wire elements are heated.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, both wire elements preferably comprise a shape memory alloy, for example a nickel-titanium alloy, whereby after being heated, for example by means of resistive heating, the wire elements of the blocking element contract in length, the resistive heating being activated by means of an electronic device.

Preferably, the electronic device is provided in the blocking element and is preferably operated through a separate operating unit. The electronic device may also be provided in the operating unit, to operate the actuator of the blocking element if the operating unit is coupled to the blocking element.

It is preferred that data and / or energy can be transferred between the operating unit and the blocking element, and data exchange can be carried out both via cable and wirelessly.

The preferred wireless coupling between the blocking element and the operating unit can preferably be performed via radio, in particular through inductive coupling, in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and / or high frequency bands, for example, in a range of 3 kHz to 30 MHz.

The preferred wireless coupling between the blocking element and the operating unit can be carried out through an optical coupling and / or an electromagnetic coupling, preferably the electromagnetic coupling being performed in the microwave and UHF frequency range, for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz. Data and / or energy can be transferred between the blocking element and the operating unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is self-sufficient, that is, it comprises, for example, at least one battery, and / or it is not self-sufficient or is partially self-sufficient, power being provided through the operating unit. , for example through a wire or a cable, or by induction.

The electronic device, which is preferably a subminiaturized electronic device, preferably carries out an authorization examination and / or unlocks the actuator, where the authorization examination is carried out, for example, by means of a PIN code (acronym for "number of" personal identification ") or biometric data.

Preferably, the locking element is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the operating unit through a coupling unit.

The operating unit that is coupled to the coupling unit can be separated if an axial force greater than 1 N, preferably greater than 2 N, even more preferably greater than 5 N and most preferably is applied

greater than 10 N.

The operating unit preferably comprises a separate data bus, for example a mono-wireless data bus, which is connected to the electronic device of the blocking element when the operating unit and the blocking element are coupled.

The present invention also relates to an operating unit for use in / with a locking element according to the present invention, wherein the operating unit comprises a coupling unit for engaging with the locking element.

The operating unit is preferably formed in such a way that it can preferably be coupled with the blocking element through a data bus from the outside and / or in a wireless manner and that can transmit and / or receive data, a coupling being possible wireless between the operating unit and the radio blocking element in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and / or high frequency band, by

For example, in a 3 kHz to 30 MHz fan, and / or an inductive coupling, and / or an optical coupling and / or an electromagnetic coupling, wherein the electromagnetic coupling is preferably performed in the microwave and UHF frequency range , for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz.

It is further preferred that the operating unit can transfer data and / or energy to the blocking element. Unit

The operation can be ensured by an authentication procedure that is preferably carried out by means of a PIN code and / or a radio transponder and / or biometric data that are collected by the corresponding sensors.

The present invention also relates to a method or method for blocking a blocking element of

In accordance with the present invention in a cartridge chamber of a firearm, for example a long firearm. The procedure comprises the following steps: (i) inserting the locking element into the cartridge chamber of the firearm from the side of the cartridge chamber by applying a force in the distal direction, such that the operating element it is moved inside the sleeve in the direction of the distal end such that the at least one locking element (18) is in a retracted position, (ii) where the

Decreasing force in the distal direction causes the operating element to move in the proximal direction inside the sleeve and force the locking elements radially outward to lock the locking element inside the cartridge chamber.

The present invention and the individual steps of locking and unlocking the cartridge chamber of a firearm are described in more detail based on the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1a shows a schematic side view of a gun cartridge;

Figure 1b shows a schematic side view of a rifle cartridge;

Figure 1c shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a rifle cartridge chamber and a barrel with a cartridge inserted;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the rifle cartridge chamber with a barrel joint 45 similar to Figure 1c, but with a locking element according to an embodiment of the invention within the cartridge chamber;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a firearm cartridge chamber with a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which

50 comprises a locking element as shown in Figure 2 and an operating unit for connecting with the blocking element in order to lock and / or unlock the blocking element in the cartridge chamber;

Figure 4 shows a sectional view of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of the distal end of Figure 4 with the locking element in a locked state;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 4 but with a locking element in the retracted position;

Figure 7 shows an enlarged sectional view of the proximal end of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an exterior view of the locking element similar to Figure 2;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment specially adapted for shotguns or pellet guns;

Figure 10 shows a top view of an annular element as used in the embodiment 5 shown in Figure 9;

the figure. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of a further preferred embodiment of a locking element according to the present invention;

10 Figure 11B shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 11A but rotated 90 ° around the longitudinal axis of the locking element, and

Figure 11C shows an enlarged view of Figure 11A.

15 In principle, there are guns with and without cartridge loaders. Firearm cannons without cartridge magazine have an essentially cylindrical structure with a constant diameter. In addition, there are gun barrels in which the gun barrel has a union with the cartridge chamber (in the case of a gun barrel with cartridge magazine), that is, a joint between the diameter smaller barrel and larger barrel diameter in the part of the cartridge chamber (see Figure 1c).

20 This union is typically constructed as a small step in a handgun or pistol and in the form of a conical shoulder in long firearms.

A specific difference between a gun and a long firearm will be explained by referring to Figures 1a and 1b. Figure 1a depicts a full shot or cartridge 100 for propelling bullet 120, as used.

25 in guns. The cartridge 100 is constituted by the sheath 140 filled with propellant or gunpowder and the fulminant 180. The sheath 140 has a flange 200 at the proximal end 220 followed by an extractor slot 240. The cartridge 140 of the depicted gun cartridge comprises a section Cylindrical transverse with a substantially uniform diameter along the length of the sheath.

30 Figure 1b represents a complete shot or cartridge 100 for a rifle or long firearm. Similar parts carry the same numbering that has been used in Figure 1a. However, contrary to the gun cartridge of Figure 1a, the sheath 140 of the long firearm cartridge bends inwardly at an angle, for example approximately 30 °, at the distal end 260 (hereinafter, the proximal end refers to the part of the cartridge chamber and the distal end refers to the part of the barrel mouth) to reduce the diameter of the

35 sheath 140 in order to support the bullet 120 at the distal end of the cartridge. The angled section is known as shoulder 280, and the angle is called the shoulder angle.

Figure 1c is a sectional drawing showing the cartridge sheath 140 disposed within a corresponding cartridge chamber 420 excavated in the steel barrel 6. To achieve a tight or tight fit or the butt contact of the distal end of the cartridge in the cartridge chamber and the bullet in the barrel, the barrel 6 comprises a shape from the cartridge chamber to the barrel corresponding to the shape of the cartridge, i.e. the cartridge chamber comprises a larger diameter, a tapered portion ( joint or shoulder) to reduce the diameter in order to support the bullet 120 that is centered in the barrel, where the barrel comprises a smaller diameter than the cartridge chamber. Such a design is typical of rifles and long weapons. Completing the wrap

45 steel that encloses the cartridge is a closing mechanism called bolt 310. When the firing pin 320 is released, it is spring-loaded against the fulminant 180. When the cartridge 100 is ignited, the ignition gunpowder produces gas that creates the pressure internal, forcing the thin walls of the brass sheath 14 of the cartridge against the walls of the chamber, and causing them to grip them.

50 As can be deduced from Figures 2 and 3, a locking element 42 according to an embodiment of the invention has been inserted into the cartridge chamber 420 of a firearm from the side of the cartridge chamber. When the blocking element 42 is locked inside the cartridge chamber it is impossible to load and fire the firearm. To remove the blocking element 42 and reuse the firearm, an unauthorized person would have to replace the entire barrel 6 of the firearm together with the cartridge chamber

55 420. It is preferred that the blocking element 42 of the present invention be fully inserted into the cartridge chamber. However, according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is sufficient that only the sleeve 14 of the blocking element is inside the cartridge chamber, and that a portion of the proximal portion of the blocking element, for example a support of connector 61, can protrude beyond the cartridge chamber 420 as long as the sleeve 14 is not accessible from the outside.

60 The locking element 42 comprises a locking mechanism, which will be explained in detail in the following, as well as optionally a preferably electromechanical drive mechanism for releasing and / or locking the locking mechanism, and optionally a miniature electronic device 9 to control the drive mechanism.

As can be deduced from the figure. 2, the blocking element 42 according to the present invention comprises a sleeve or sleeve 14 in which an actuator, an operating element 16 and at least one blocking element 18 (not visible in Figure 2) are provided. For reasons of symmetry, it is preferred that the blocking element according to the present invention comprises a plurality of blocking elements. In the following, reference will be made to a plurality of blocking elements, although it would also be possible to provide only one blocking element. As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the blocking elements 18 are preferably constructed as rolling elements, in particular balls. However, other shapes are also possible, for example "cylinders" with an arcuate surface along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, as occurs in a roller bearing. Bowed cylinders provide a larger contact surface compared to ball elements that provide a point connection to the inner surface of the cartridge chamber. Preferably, the plurality of blocking or rolling elements are distributed with axial symmetry around the central axis of the sleeve 14. The blocking element of the present invention preferably comprises 6, 8, 12 or even more blocking elements. There are recesses or windows 81 provided in the sleeve 14, preferably a recess or window for each blocking element such that the blocking elements are allowed to project beyond the recesses and be pressed against the inner wall of the chamber of cartridge. The recesses 81 are preferably large enough so that at least a portion of the blocking element can project beyond the recess. However, it is further preferred that the recesses are smaller than the diameter of the blocking element (ball) such that the ball is not lost.

A locking element inside the firearm cartridge chamber must provide a locking mechanism that secures the locking device with respect to two main directions of handling, namely forces applied from the side of the barrel mouth and forces from the side of the cartridge chamber. The locking element of the present invention is designed so that it can be inserted into the cartridge chamber from the side of the cartridge. The sleeve 14 of the blocking element 42 comprises external dimensions such that the sleeve can be inserted so that it fits tightly in the cartridge chamber, that is, the sleeve 14 is substantially cylindrical and comprises a diameter smaller than the diameter of the chamber of cartridge 420, preferably only slightly smaller than the diameter of the cartridge chamber such that already a small radial projection or extension of the blocking elements 18 beyond the sleeve 18 provides a blocking of the blocking element 42. Since the diameter of the cartridge chamber is larger than the diameter of the barrel, it is not possible to force the locking element 42 to exit the cartridge chamber through the barrel 6. In other words, one of the two main handling directions is secured or blocked by the adaptation of the external dimensions of the cartridge chamber. The external dimensions of the locking element 42 are preferably provided by a connection with a shaped fit with the cartridge chamber 420 and preferably with the joint (shoulder) between the cartridge chamber and the barrel.

The connection between the cartridge chamber and the gun barrel can have any desired shape. As shown in a simplified manner, for example, in Figures 2 and 4, the joint can be conical. However, the present invention is not limited to conical joints and can also be adapted to joints that have the shape of a perpendicular, curved edge or progression forms. Furthermore, depending on the conical angle, the present blocking element may comprise additional means that prevent the blocking element from being permanently blocked or stuck inside the cartridge chamber, which could occur in the case of shotguns with a joint angle or shoulder flat.

To block the blocking device also in the second of the two main handling directions, the blocking element comprises at least one blocking element, preferably a plurality of blocking elements, which ensure that the blocking element is locked within the cartridge chamber in case an attacker tries to force the locking element out of the cartridge chamber from the side of the barrel's mouth. The locking elements are pressed against the cartridge chamber so that the blocking element cannot be removed by pulling or pushed out in the direction of the cartridge chamber. Compression of the locking elements against at least a portion of the cartridge chamber results in friction engagement such that the locking element cannot be removed in the direction of the cartridge chamber.

The embodiment according to the figure. 4 shows a locking mechanism according to the present invention illustrating the principle of the self-blocking effect. In this mechanism, the operating element 16 and the blocking elements 18 (for the sake of clarity only one blocking element 18 is shown) are provided in such a way (see, for example, Figure 4) that if pressure is exerted on the operative element 16 from the side of the barrel mouth (also referred to as the distal end, since the blocking element is inserted from the proximal cartridge chamber), the operative element further presses the element or elements of locking 18 against the wall by means of the guide 16a of the locking element. The guide of the blocking element is preferably conical with respect to the axial direction, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. In other words, if pressure is exerted from the side of the barrel mouth, the blocking elements or balls 18 they are pressed by the conical portion 16a of the operating element 16 against the wall of the cartridge chamber 420. Thus, the self-blocking effect means that if pressure is exerted from the side of the barrel mouth, the blocking elements are pressed even more against the cartridge chamber.

The conical portion of the operative element may comprise separate guiding surfaces 16a of separate blocking element for each blocking element or ball 18. In particular, the guiding surfaces 16a for each blocking element may be separated by edges or partitions so as to prevent The rotation of the locking element. According to a preferred embodiment, the guide surface is not only conical in the axial direction of the blocking element 42, but also comprises rails or inclined surfaces in the circumferential direction to the partitions. In other words, the conical surface of the operating element also forces the blocking balls 18 radially outwardly when the operating element 16 is rotated. Thus, when a person tries to manipulate the blocking element by rotating the operating element, already either by accessing the rod 160 from the side of the barrel mouth or by accessing the connector support from the side of the cartridge chamber, a small rotation movement, for example, a movement of less than 2 °, would guide the balls locking radially outward such that they would be forced against the inner wall of the cartridge chamber.

As shown in the schematic drawing of Figures 4 and 5, a spring element 31 moves the operating element in the proximal direction such that the tapered part 16a of the operating element 16 forces the locking elements 18 radially outward through the window or recess 81 so that they come into contact with the inner wall of the cartridge chamber 420. In other words, the operating element 16 can be moved axially inside the sleeve, that is, the operating element is axially movable with respect to the sleeve 14. When the operating element is moved in the distal direction with respect to the sleeve, the blocking elements 18 are allowed to move to a retracted position such that the blocking element 42 is unlocked. As can be seen in Figure 5, there is a recess portion 16b within which the blocking elements 18 or balls 18 can be moved such that the blocking elements move radially inwards. Thus, depending on the position of the operating element 16 with respect to the sleeve 14, the blocking elements are either retracted or extended. The blocking element of the present invention preferably comprises a means that moves the operating element to a position such that the blocking elements are in the extended position. This displacement means 31 ensures that the blocking element, once inserted in the cartridge chamber, is displaced towards the blocking state, and therefore locked within the cartridge chamber. Any manipulation from the outside results in an additional blocking state, where the blocking forces of the blocking elements 18 towards the cartridge chamber are increased when the blocking element 42 is manipulated from the muzzle side of the barrel. This mechanism has been described above as a self-locking mechanism. The displacement means may be a spring element such as the spring element 31 illustrated in Figure 5. The spring element 31 is located between the sleeve 14, in particular between the distal shoulder 80 of the sleeve 14 and a flange 16c of the operating element 16 for displacing or forcing the operating element in the proximal direction with respect to the sleeve 14. Since the conical portion 16a of the operating element has a larger diameter at the distal end, the locking elements 18 are pressed radially outward against the cartridge chamber The removal of the blocking element 42 out of the cartridge chamber 420 from the side of the barrel mouth is prevented by the friction connection of the corresponding blocking elements 18 that are forced against the cartridge chamber. Furthermore, when pressure is placed on the operating element 16 from the side of the barrel mouth, the tapered part 16a of the operating element 16 causes the locking elements 18 to be pressed further against the wall of the cartridge chamber so that the blocking element 18 is pressed further against the cartridge chamber.

In addition, when pressure is exerted on the proximal end of the blocking element from the side of the cartridge chamber, the operating element 16 moves within the sleeve 14 in the distal direction such that the blocking elements are allowed to move in the retracted direction. However, removal of the blocking element in the proximal direction is not possible since a force is exerted in the distal direction. If the force in the distal direction decreases, the displacement force of the spring 31 will again force the locking elements radially outward. In other words, a force from the proximal end in the distal direction of the sleeve (from the side of the cartridge chamber to the side of the barrel mouth) can unlock the locking mechanism, but due to such force, it is not possible the removal. In case the force decreases, the locking mechanism will block the locking element in the cartridge chamber again. Even a much greater force in the distal direction will not allow the removal of the blocking element since the larger diameter of the blocking element abuts against the junction between the cartridge chamber and the barrel. In other words, manipulation with a force in the distal direction (from the cartridge chamber to the mouth of the barrel) presses the locking element further into the cartridge chamber and locks the blocking element further into the chamber of cartridge when the force is reduced. In one direction, a fit adjustment hitch is provided while in the other direction a friction hitch is reinforced and a self-locking effect is achieved. This means that if an unauthorized person tries to manipulate the blocking element by exerting pressure on the blocking element, it will cause the blocking elements to be pressed further against the walls of the cartridge chamber by means of the operating element.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the operating element 16 preferably comprises a conical portion 16a. The operative element 16 may be shaped as a component or it may comprise several components. Preferably, the operating element 16 is provided at the distal end of the blocking element 42 and is connected, preferably by means of at least one intermediate element, to an element at the proximal end, preferably fixedly connected to said element. According to a further preferred embodiment, the operating element 16 is rotatably connected to the proximal end element,

that is, the element at the proximal end can be rotated with respect to the operative element 16. The proximal end element and the operative element 16 are preferably movable within the sleeve, that is, movable with respect to the sleeve 14. According to A preferred embodiment, the operative element 16 is movable longitudinally and / or movably rotatable with respect to the sleeve 14. Alternatively or additionally, the proximal end element and, optionally, the intermediate elements is or are movable longitudinally and / or movable rotatably with respect to sleeve 14. Alternatively or additionally, the proximal end element is longitudinally movable and / or rotatably movable with respect to operating element 16.

The proximal end element is preferably a connector support 61. Said connector support preferably comprises a connector 60. In particular, if the connector support 61 and the operating element 16 are mounted such that relative movement between them is possible. , a tampering attack with a rotating drill in the connector 60 will not transfer the torque from the connector support 61 to the operating element 16 and vice versa.

As mentioned before, the blocking element is preferably locked and unlocked by means of a separate operating unit 4. The connector 60 is adapted to mechanically and / or electrically couple the operating unit 4 with the locking element.

The connector support 61 can be fixedly connected to the operating element 16, for example by means of a pin that can be disposed within a pin hole 62 (see Figure 6). As mentioned above, a relative longitudinal movement between the connector support 61 and the operating element 16 may be possible. For example, the operating element 16 may comprise the pin hole 62 in the form of an elongated hole or a bore cross section that houses pin 26 (see, for example, Figures 11A and 11B) or a portion of the pin. According to a further embodiment, the operating element 16 may be mounted on the connector support 61 in such a way that relative rotation movement is possible. According to yet another embodiment, the connector support 61 and the operating element 16 may be firmly connected.

or be shaped as a component of a piece.

The connector support 61 at the proximal end of the blocking element 42 is preferably arranged such that the connector support 61 is the only accessible part of the blocking means from the side of the cartridge when the blocking element 42 is locked within The cartridge chamber. In other words, it is preferred that the connector support extend radially beyond the sleeve 14 (see, for example, Figure 8) such that the sleeve 14 is not accessible from the outside when the locking element 42 is located inside the cartridge chamber. As shown, for example, in Figures 6 and 8, the connector support comprises an edge 63 that is located in front of the sleeve 14 (viewed from the proximal direction) such that the sleeve 14 is not accessible from the outside. . A similar principle is preferably valid for the distal end of the locking element 42. In particular, the operating element 16 preferably extends in the form of a cylindrical rod 160 beyond the distal end of the sleeve 14. The rod 160 is preferably located at least partially inside the barrel when the blocking element 42 is located inside the cartridge chamber. Preferably, the outer diameter of the rod substantially coincides with the diameter of the barrel such that the sleeve 14, which preferably abuts against the joint (e.g., against the shoulder) between the cartridge chamber 420 and the barrel, is not accessible. from the side of the canyon's mouth. Thanks to this design, the connector support 61 and the stem 16 are the only components accessible from the outside when the locking element is locked inside the cartridge chamber 420. Such a design prevents the sleeve 14 from being accessible at some time from the outside. The application of a force from the side of the barrel mouth will further force the locking elements against the wall of the cartridge. The application of a force from the side of the cartridge "will unlock" the blocking means in that the blocking elements may temporarily move to the unlocked or retracted state, but will further push the blocking element into the chamber. of cartridge.

To unlock the locking element and remove the locking element from the cartridge chamber 420, the operating element 4 must be fixed or mounted to the blocking element removably and the blocking element must be temporarily kept in the unlocked state. In other words, to unlock the locking element 42, a force must be applied from the side of the cartridge chamber to move the operating element 16 in the distal direction, which causes the blocking elements 18 to move to the retracted state. or unlocked If the force in the proximal direction is reduced, the spring element 31 would push the operating element 16 back to the proximal direction, which would again lead to a locked state. To remove the locking element from the cartridge chamber 420, this proximal return movement of the operating element 18. must be prevented. Such return movement is preferably avoided by means of a mechanism comprising an actuator. In particular, the actuator activates a mechanism that prevents movement of the operating element back to the proximal direction in order to temporarily "fix" or keep the operating element in the unlocked state or position. Hereinafter, the term "temporarily fix" refers to a temporary state that can be established by means of an actuator and released by deactivating an actuator, that is, temporary fixation refers to a temporary and releasable fixation or joint . It is important that the operating element 16 is not forced back into the locked position by means of the spring element 31. The temporary fixation is

it can be achieved either by preventing the movement of the operative element in the proximal direction, that is, movement in the distal direction would still be possible, or it can be achieved by temporarily fixing the operative element with respect to the sleeve 14 in such a way that both movements are prevented, that is, in the proximal direction and in the distal direction.

When the operating element 16 is temporarily fixed in the unlocked position, it is possible to remove the locking element 42 from the cartridge chamber in the proximal direction, that is, in the direction towards the cartridge chamber. This extraction can be achieved by orienting the barrel with the cartridge chamber in a substantially vertical direction, such that the gravitational force releases the locking element from the cartridge chamber. According to a further preferred embodiment, the operating element 4 is mechanically coupled to the connector support 61 and / or to the connector 60 such that the mechanical coupling force is large enough so that the locking element 42 can be removed by means of the operative element 4. In other words, once the operative element 4 is mechanically coupled with the blocking element 42, a force in the axial direction is needed to extract the operative element 4 from the blocking element 42. Said force is preferably greater than a predetermined amount, preferably greater than 1 N, more preferably greater than 2 N, more preferably greater than 5 N, more preferably greater than 10 N, more preferably greater than 10 N, or even greater.

This mechanical coupling between the operating element 4 and the blocking element 42 is also advantageous for the blocking stage, that is, when the blocking element 42 is inserted into the cartridge chamber. There are, in principle, two ways to block the firearm. First, the locking element in the cartridge chamber can be easily inserted by hand from the side of the cartridge chamber until the shoulder of the blocking element 42 abuts at the junction between the cartridge chamber and the barrel . When the insertion force is reduced, the blocking of the blocking element is achieved by the displacement spring element 31 that presses the operating element 16 in the proximal direction and therefore forces the blocking elements 18 radially outward against the inner wall of the cartridge chamber. The closing or blocking force, that is, the force with which the blocking elements are pressed against the walls of the cartridge chamber is determined by the spring element 31. Secondly, the blocking element can be inserted 42 by means of the operating element 4. Preferably, the operating element 4 is mechanically coupled with the blocking element 42. Again, the blocking element 42 is inserted until the blocking element 42 abuts against the shoulder or joint between the cartridge chamber and the barrel. The spring 31 moves the operating element back in the proximal direction and forces the blocking elements radially outwardly when the insertion force is reduced, that is, the blocking element is locked inside the cartridge chamber. To remove the operating element 4 from the blocking element 42, the user pulls the operating element 4 in the proximal direction. Since the user has to apply a force that is greater than a predetermined amount, said predetermined amount of force is applied to the operating element 16 in the proximal direction, and is transferred radially out of the blocking elements 18. In in other words, if the predetermined amount for the extraction of the operative element 4 of the blocking element 42 is greater, the blocking element will be locked with a greater pressure against the walls of the cartridge chamber.

However, higher pressure against the cartridge chamber would also result in a greater print footprint or wear on the walls of the cartridge chamber. Therefore, it is preferred to adjust the predetermined force to the hardness of the blocking elements 18 such that sufficient blocking is achieved when the blocking element is inserted, but the wear of the wall of the cartridge chamber is small. To ensure safe blocking of the blocking element in case of manipulation, it is preferred that the blocking elements are formed of a material that is sufficiently harder than the material of the cartridge chamber, which ensures that the blocking elements enter or they penetrate the wall of the cartridge chamber, and increases the blocking force. Accordingly, it is preferred that the blocking elements 18 be as hard as possible. However, in case the blocking elements are too hard and the predetermined force necessary to remove the operating element of the blocking element, mentioned above, is too large, the insertion of the blocking element would already lead to wear of the cartridge chamber It may be advantageous to provide at least two kinds of blocking elements, for example blocking elements with lower hardness and with higher hardness. For example, the lower hardness locking element may be formed or disposed within the locking element such that the lower hardness locking elements abut against the wall of the cartridge chamber when the blocking element is inserted into the cartridge chamber, which results in less wear of the cartridge chamber. The locking elements with superior hardness are formed and / or arranged in such a way that they are only pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber in case of manipulation. For example, when the blocking elements are balls 18, the lower hardness balls may have a diameter (slightly) larger than the upper hardness balls. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conical shape 16a of the operating element 16 may be different for the lower hardness balls and for the upper hardness balls, such that the lower hardness balls are first pressed against the The walls of the cartridge chamber and the balls of superior hardness are pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber only when higher forces, such as handling forces, are applied to the blocking element. It is also possible to provide blocking elements with at least two layers, for example, balls with an outer layer of less hardness and having greater hardness in the center of the ball. Such a design would press the outer layer against the wall of the cartridge chamber without damaging the wall. In case forces of

Superior handling, the harder core ensures that the locking balls get caught in the wall of the cartridge, that is, the inner core is pressed firmly against the wall of the cartridge chamber by the operating element so that it forms a friction connection with the cartridge wall or even deforms the inner walls of the cartridge chamber, which ultimately results in a fit fitting connection between the locking elements and the deformed cartridge chamber.

As mentioned before, the union between the cartridge chamber and the barrel can be configured differently in different firearms. For example, a gun typically comprises a small step between the cartridge chamber and the barrel. A long firearm typically comprises a conical shoulder between the cartridge chamber and the barrel (see Figure 1c). Moreover, a shotgun typically comprises a conical joint between the cartridge chamber and the barrel, with a small conical angle. When a locking element 42 such as that shown for example in Figure 2 is inserted (for example, with great force) into the cartridge chamber of a shotgun with a small angle joint, there is a potential risk that the element Lock gets stuck in the joint. In particular, there is the known phenomenon that a jam occurs when the conical angle is below a critical angle. To avoid such jamming, the blocking element of the present invention may comprise an additional mechanism at the distal end of the blocking means, which prevents such jamming within the joint between the cartridge chamber and the barrel.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an anti-jamming mechanism is provided at the distal end of the locking element as shown for example in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a part of a cartridge chamber 420 in the left side and a portion of the barrel 6 on the right side, and a joint 80 with a small conical angle between the cartridge chamber and the barrel is illustrated. Similar to the above-described embodiment, inside the sleeve 14 there is a connector support 61 with connector 60 and the operating element 16. The locking mechanism with the blocking elements 18, which can be forced out of the recess 81 of the Cuff is similar to the embodiments discussed above. However, an anti-jamming mechanism is provided at the distal end of the sleeve 14 around the stem 160 of the operating element 16.

When the blocking element 42 is inserted from the side of the cartridge chamber, a tactile means provided on a shoulder portion of the blocking element, for example an annular element 90, comes into contact with the conical joint 80 between the storage chamber. cartridge and the barrel. When the locking element is advanced further into the cartridge chamber 420, the rod 160 of the operating element 16 will move relative to the sleeve 14 towards its distal end. The stem 160 comprises a conical portion 190 with a diameter that increases in the proximal direction. This conical portion 190 engages with rolling elements, for example balls 91, which will be forced radially outwardly when the rod 160 is moved further in the distal direction (the direction during insertion) relative to the sleeve 14. The balls 91 radially forced outwardly they will not be forced directly into the inner wall of the cartridge chamber but will expand the annular element 90 that comes into additional contact with the inner wall of the cartridge chamber. The ring preferably comprises a slit 93, as shown in the top view of the loose ring member 90 (see Figure 10). When the balls 91 are forced or pressed radially outward, the ring 90 will expand so that the distance "A" of the slit 93 will increase. Consequently, the circumferential length and diameter of the annular element 90 will increase, so that further advance of the blocking element 42 in the distal direction is prevented. In other words, instead of stopping with a fixed shoulder - as described in the previous embodiments - a variable shoulder stops against the junction between the cartridge chamber and the barrel. This variable shoulder prevents the locking element 42 from being further introduced in the distal direction. The expandable annular elements 90 provide such a "variable shoulder" of the blocking element 42. When the insertion force is reduced, the blocking element will be locked with a mechanism similar to that described in the previous embodiment, that is, the operating element will be forced in the proximal direction by means of the spring element 31 such that the conical portion 16a forces the locking elements 18 against the inner wall of the cartridge chamber.

In the unlocking stage, the expanded annular element will contract, that is, the distance A of the slit is made smaller in such a way as to prevent jamming of the blocking element. In particular, similar to the unlocking step described above, the operating element will be forced in the distal direction such that the locking elements 18 are in the retracted or unlocked position. Such movement in the distal direction is possible, for example, if there is a relative position between the sleeve 14 and the operating element in which position the ball elements 18 and 91 are slightly retracted. In other words, there may be an interval in which the ball elements 18 and 91 are slightly retracted so that neither the ball element 18 presses against the wall of the cartridge chamber nor the ball elements 19 force the annular element 90 against the wall of the cartridge chamber, so that the locking element can be removed from the cartridge chamber in the proximal direction. The actuator and the temporary fixing means preferably fix the operating element in this range. To provide such an interval, the position of the cones and / or cone angles can be adjusted accordingly so that extraction is possible. In addition or as an alternative, the blocking elements 18 and / or the ball elements 81 are provided with a certain play within the sleeve, for example with a certain tolerance, such that this set provides the aforementioned interval for unlocking the blocking element. blocking. In particular, it may be preferable that the ring 91 comprises a certain play with respect to the sleeve in such a way as to further aid in the removal of the blocking element.

Figures 11A to 11C show a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 11B shows the blocking element of Figure 11A rotated 90 ° around the longitudinal axis of the blocking element. Figure 11C is an enlarged view of the distal portion of Figure 11A. The design of this embodiment is very similar to the design shown in Figure 4 but, nevertheless, other safety features will be discussed below with reference to Figures 11A to 11C. However, these additional features are not limited to the particular embodiment of Figures 11A to 11C, that is, within any blocking element 42 according to the present invention, either a single or a plurality of the following characteristics can be provided .

For example, Figure 11B shows an additional means of protection 610 against perforation. In particular, the perforation protection means 610 is preferably provided in the proximal portion of the blocking element 42, for example on / in the connector support 61. The perforation protection means 610 preferably comprises hard alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably two, three or more metal tips 610, made of hard alloy, are disposed transversely in the connector support, preferably substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal direction of the element. Locking 42. Figure 11B shows two metal peaks 610 that snap into the connector holder 61 (not visible in Figure 11A rotated 90 °). Thus, if a manipulator attempts to pierce the locking element from the proximal end with a drill, that is, from the side of the connector support 61, the tips 610 will cause the drill to break, its edge is dull, and / or get stuck. In any case, the tips 610 guarantee that a drill will not deepen beyond the tips in the direction of the distal part of the blocking element 42. Additionally or similarly a similar construction can be provided at the distal end of the blocking element 42, for example within the operative element 16. Accordingly, the hard alloy tips (which are preferably arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the locking element) ensure that a bore will not drill beyond the tips in the direction of the proximal part of the blocking element.

In addition, the distal end of the operating element 16 may be shaped such that the blocking element 42 is further protected against an attack with a bore from the barrel. In particular, the distal end of the operating element 16 may be skewed in the longitudinal direction as shown for example in Figure 11B (not visible in Figure 11A rotated 90 °). According to a further preferred embodiment, the distal end of the operative element 16 may be tapered in the distal direction such that the bore of a manipulator will be automatically guided laterally, away from the operative element 16, in the direction of the inner wall of the barrel. , that is, it is likely that the drill does not pierce the operating element, but rather destroys the barrel.

Figures 11A and 11B further show seals 99 that may be mounted at the proximal end and / or at the distal end of the locking element 18 or near them. In particular, a seal ring 99 is provided in the connector holder 61 and a seal ring 99 is provided in the operative element 16 of the embodiment as shown in Figures 11A-C. These seal rings 99 ensure that no fluid, for example a fluid that can damage the functionality of the blocking element 42, enters the cartridge chamber when the blocking element is inside the cartridge chamber. In other words, the joints prevent fluid from entering the blocking element.

As already discussed above, the operating element 16 may be rotatably connected to the connector support 61. For example, if the operating element 16 is "detachably fixed" or "fixed" to the cartridge chamber by means of the locking elements 18, the connector support 61 can still be rotatable with respect to the operating element 16 and / or inside the cartridge chamber. Figures 11A to 11C show an example of how such rotation movement can be performed. In particular, the connector support 61 extends from the proximal end longitudinally towards the distal portion of the locking element (see Figure 11A). The connector support 61 is designed as a sleeve at its distal end, in which an intermediate bolt 611 with its proximal end is located within the sleeve portion of the connector support 61. The distal end of the intermediate bolt 611 is connected to the operative element 16. Again, the operative element 16 may be designed as a sleeve at its proximal end such that the intermediate bolt 611 is located in the sleeve portions of the connector holder 61 and the operative element. The intermediate bolt 611 comprises a hole or slot 62. The connector support 61 also comprises a hole at the distal end, the connector support and the intermediate bolt 611 being connected through a pin 26, which is located in the hole of the connector support 61 and groove 62 of intermediate bolt 611. In addition, intermediate bolt 611 is connected to operating element 16 through a bearing 98. For example, bearing 98 may be a ball bearing, which allows the bolt intermediate 611 rotate with respect to the operating element 16. According to another preferred embodiment, the intermediate bolt 611 comprises a circumferential notch near the distal end, wherein two pins, which are fixed to the operating element 16 and arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blocking element 42 engages with the circumferential notch; again the intermediate bolt 611 with the circumferential groove is rotatable with respect to the operating element 16. In other words, the combination of connector support 61, intermediate bolt 611 and operating element 16 forms a "unit" which is movable within the sleeve 14 .

This "unit" will be destroyed if an intense handling force (preferably greater than the typical forces during normal operation) acts from the proximal end of the locking element 42 in the direction of the distal end. The "unit" will break at a predetermined breaking point, which activates an additional safety feature. In particular, if an intense force acts from the proximal end of the blocking element in

#

the direction of the distal end (in Figure 11C, from left to right; see arrow F), the sleeve portion of the connector support 61 is pushed against a clamping guide 612. In normal operation of the locking element 42, the clamping guide 612 is prevented from moving distally, that is, the clamping guide 612 is prevented from engaging with the locking elements 18 by means of a shear ring 90, for example a ring 90 which is arranged in a circumferential notch in the intermediate bolt 611. However, in case the external handling force is large enough, the clamping guide 612 tears or tears the shear ring 90 such that the clamping guide 612 engages with the locking elements 18 and pushes the locking elements 18 in the distal direction. The blocking elements 18 are further guided outwardly by the conical portion 16a, against the inner wall of the cartridge chamber, that is, the blocking element 42 is locked in the cartridge chamber if a manipulator applies an intense force, by For example, a strong blow on the connector support in the distal direction.

In addition, when the shear ring 90 is broken, the tightening guide is pressurized by means of the broken shear ring 90 to the intermediate bolt 611. Thus, the broken shear ring 90 substantially prevents the tightening guide 612 from moving backward in the proximal direction, that is, the blocking element 42 is held in the locked position after a manipulator has applied an intense force, for example, a strong blow, on the connector support in the distal direction.

As discussed above, it is important that the sleeve is not accessible from the outside when the locking element is inside the cartridge chamber. This is achieved by the stem 160 and the connector support 61 in the previous embodiment. The embodiment for the shotgun comprises a similar connector support at the proximal end. At the distal end, a cap 161 can be provided that prevents the sleeve 14 of the ring member 90 from being accessible from the side of the barrel mouth when the locking element is locked inside the cartridge chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment, only one authentication is carried out for the unlocking stage while the blocking can be carried out without authentication. When a user is authenticated to carry out the unlocking stage, an actuator is operated to prevent a proximal movement of the operating element 16 or to temporarily fix the operating element 16 with the sleeve 14. In other words, the actuator is actuated to temporarily fix or keep the locking element in the unlocked state. The actuator is preferably located in the blocking element 42, but it can also be provided in the operating unit 4. The actuator may comprise, for example, at least one wire element comprising a shape memory alloy, and at least one electric motor and / or at least one array of magnets, for example an array of electromagnets. However, the invention is not limited to the above-mentioned actuator embodiments. The embodiments listed represent only some examples of actuators for operating the operating element. In addition to the examples mentioned, there are other possibilities. Actuators that fulfill the above functions based on the given power or force conditions are suitable.

For example, the actuator may comprise a wire element comprising a so-called shape memory alloy, for example a nickel-titanium alloy. When heated, such shape memory alloy contracts in length for example, by about 4% or more. The actuator can apply a force to a temporary fixing means such that this temporary fixing means provides a temporary fixing between the operating element 16 and the sleeve 14. For example, the actuator can move a temporary fixing means with a direction axial inside the sleeve 14.

The temporary fixation is preferably provided with a stop per stop ball 32, 34, comprising a cage 32 arranged around the operating element 16 and / or the connector support 61 as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The stop by retention ball can move (preferably continuously) axially within the sleeve 14 between a proximal position and a distal position. The retention ball stop comprises at least one ball element 34 such as, for example, is shown in Figures 4 and 6. The ball element or elements 34 are pressed outwardly against the sleeve 14 when the conical portion 64 (see Figure 7) of the operating element 16 engaged with the ball elements 34. In particular, the conical portion 64, which may be provided in the operating element or in the connector support 61 as shown in Figure 6 it comprises at the distal end a larger diameter and a smaller diameter at the proximal end. When the stop by the retention ball moves to the distal position or when the stop by the retention ball is in the distal position and the operating element 16 and / or the connector support 61 move in the proximal direction, the element The ball will engage with the conical portion 64 and will be forced radially outwardly against the inner walls of the sleeve 14, that is, the operating element and / or the connector support will be temporarily fixed to the sleeve 14. In other words, the Operating element 16 moves back in the proximal direction when the cage 32 is pulled forward (in the distal direction) by means of an actuator. The stop by stop ball 32, 34 acts as a stop to temporarily fix the operating element to the

sleeve 14. Thus, depending on the position of the stop by holding ball 32, 34 the relative movement between the operating element 16 and the sleeve is temporarily restricted / fixed or not restricted. The actuator is preferably located inside the sleeve 14 so that it can control the movement of the stop by retention ball within the sleeve. It is not necessary for the actuator to be fixed inside the sleeve 14 to move the stop by ball retention. For example, stops can be provided, for example floating bearings, fixed bearings, spring elements, which allow certain relative movements within the sleeve 14 which further ensure that the mechanism cannot be manipulated from the outside. In other words, the actuator is provided within the sleeve 14 to control the relative position between the operating element 16 and the stop by holding ball 32, 34 such that a temporary fixation of the operating element to the sleeve occurs or not.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the self-locking firearm security system comprises a blocking element 42 and preferably a separate operating unit 4 (see Figure 3). The operating unit 4 preferably remains outside the cartridge chamber 420. The operating equipment 4 may be mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the blocking element 42. The operating unit may comprise a battery 44 to provide power to the operating unit 4 and / or to the blocking element 42. The operating unit preferably has two objects.

First, the operating unit 4 may be adapted to transmit and / or receive data (unidirectional or bidirectional) for authentication and the subsequent blocking and / or unblocking step. In addition, the operating unit is mechanically coupled to the blocking element 42 to insert the blocking element into the cartridge chamber and to block the blocking element inside the cartridge chamber and to unlock and subsequently remove the blocking element out of the chamber. of cartridge.

The transmission of data between the blocking element 42 and the operating unit 4 can be carried out by means of a cable or in a wireless manner. A wireless coupling can be made by radio, for example by means of an inductive coupling, in the very low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and / or high frequency band, for example in the 3 kHz range at 30 MHz. In addition, wireless coupling can also be performed by means of an optical coupling or an electromagnetic coupling in the microwave and UHF frequency range, for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz. In the case of a cable transmission , the transmission is carried out, for example, via a 1-wire bus (see, for example, 48 in Figure 3). The coupling between the operating unit 4 and the blocking element 42 may also be a combination of the aforementioned possible couplings. Data and / or energy can be transferred between the operating unit 4 and the blocking element 42.

The operating unit 4 can be connected to the blocking element 42 through a coupling unit or connector 60 to unlock and / or re-lock the blocking element 42 in the firearm cartridge chamber 420.

According to a further preferred embodiment, there is an electronic device 9 located within the blocking element 42 to control the locked and unlocked state of the blocking element. The electronic device 9 may be provided in the blocking element 42 to operate the actuator. According to a preferred embodiment, to unlock the locking element the actuator must be operated, be it a wire element and / or an electric motor and / or a matrix of magnets, etc., through the electronic device 9.

The electronic device 9 is preferably located inside the blocking element 42, but it can also be provided in the operating unit 4. The electronic device 9 within the blocking element provides the advantage that it is located with a safety area when the element Lock is locked inside the cartridge chamber. The electronic device 9 carries out an authorization examination and / or activates or controls the actuator to lock or unlock the blocking element 42. The operating equipment 4 serves to enter data (for example, enter a PIN code and / or biometric data ) where the data is transferred from the operating unit 4 to the electronic device 9 for the authorization examination.

The electronic device 9 can be self-sufficient, for example, through a battery 10, and / or non-self-sufficient or partially self-sufficient, where power is provided through the operating unit 4, for example through a wire or a cable . Alternatively, induction energy can also be provided.

This electronic device 9 allows the locking element to be easily unlocked if a wire element is used as an actuator. However, if instead of the wire element an electric motor is used as an actuator

or an array of magnets, for example, with a coil, the actuator is operated by means of the electronic device 9 to unlock the blocking element 42. The electronic device 9 can for example be provided in a suitable place of the blocking element. The electronic device 9 is, for example, a subminiaturized electronic device. It is connected to an electronic device in the operating unit 4 (not shown) via encrypted communication such as a mono-wireless data bus 48 and can, for example, verify a correct authentication of a user.

If a user is identified as an authorized user, the electronic device 9 activates the actuator in such a way that the operating element 16 is prevented from moving in the proximal direction. Thus, when a user first presses the operating element in the distal direction, which allows the blocking elements to move in a retracted position, that is, unlocks the blocking element 42, and subsequently activates the actuator (for example , the wire element contracts and pulls the stop by retention ball in the distal direction), the blocking element 42 remains fixed or temporarily fixed in the unlocked state such that the blocking element can be removed from the cartridge chamber

In particular, to unlock the locking element 42 when a wire element is used as an actuator, the electronic device 9 causes the wire element 42 to heat up, for example by means of resistive heating (not shown), and therefore It contracts in length. This in turn causes the stop by the retention ball 32, 34, to which the wire element 42 is attached, to be drawn in the direction of the barrel mouth (in the distal direction). In this way, the operating element 16 is prevented from moving back to the proximal direction. The locking element 42 is maintained in the unlocked state.

To protect the blocking element 42 against tampering, another wire element (not shown) is provided. If another person tries to unlock the blocking element 2 by heating the firearm from the outside, for example on a gas flame, the first wire element 42 contracts in length. However, at the same time, the second wire element (not shown) also contracts in length. As a consequence, the second wire element provides a force contrary to that of the (first) wire element. This makes the ball cage essentially unable or hard to move. According to a preferred embodiment, the two wire elements are arranged such that the actuating forces cancel each other out when both wire elements are heated.

The blocking element 42 has to be unlocked before it can be removed from the firearm. This is done by connecting or coupling the separate operating unit 4 with the blocking element 42. However, instead of a separate operating unit 4 it is also basically conceivable to provide the operating unit 4 directly on the blocking element 42. In an alternative embodiment , the electronic device 9 of the blocking element may also be located in the separate operating unit 4 instead of in the blocking element 42 itself, so that the blocking element essentially contains only the mechanical components.

The operating unit 4 and the blocking element 42 can be connected through a coupling mechanism. The separate operating unit 4 has the advantage that it can be stored independently of the blocking element 42. This means that, after blocking the firearm, the operating unit 4 of the blocking element 42 can be removed, for example, with In order to keep it in a safe place. Furthermore, it is possible to leave only the blocking element 42 as an invisible safety device in the cartridge chamber, which has the advantage that the firearm can be easily transported and stored.

Another advantage is that a large number of firearms can be secured with corresponding blocking elements 42, which, however, can be operated, that is, locked and unlocked, by means of the same operating unit 4.

Generally, the blocking element 42 is specifically shaped for the caliber of a firearm, that is, it is based for example on the diameter of the cartridge chamber and the barrel and can be adapted for example by the customer as necessary to The desired firearm.

In addition to the basic versions for automatic loading firearms, such as guns and shotguns, variations for revolver and rifle caliber (for example, hunting shotguns) are also offered. Firearms for hunting are generally characterized in that they are manually loaded from the cartridge chamber, that is, from behind (tilting principle) so that the locking element is also installed in this way.

The operating unit 4 can work with all variations of the blocking element 42 regardless of the number and type of firearms that must be protected. This is advantageous, for example, because an operating unit 4 can be used for different locking elements 42, adjusted to specific types of firearms depending on their use. As already mentioned above, this means that, in general, the blocking element 42 must be adjusted at most to the type of firearm, but not necessarily the separate operating unit 4.

The operating unit 4 comprises a coupling unit that can be connected to the blocking element 42 at any place, provided that, for example, a data bus of the operating unit 4, preferably a single-wire data bus, can be connected with the electronic device 9 of the blocking element 42, or the electronic device can be connected to the actuator if the electronic device is also provided in the operating unit 4.

Preferably a multi-step authentication procedure is used to secure the system. For example, the manufacturer can provide each operating unit 4 with an individual password that is stored in the operating unit 4. This password is transferred, for example, to each blocking element 42 when it is locked for the first time with this operating unit 4. Each unlocking process is initiated by transferring the password of the operating unit 4. Thus, only this specific operating unit 4 can be used for unlocking.

5 In addition, the use of an operating unit 4 can be ensured, for example, by means of an authentication procedure. As described above, this can be done using a PIN code and / or biometric data. Preferably, both the PIN and the password of the operating unit 4 can be modified by the user.

10 The following means can be applied to secure electronic systems and communication channels (password transfer).

For example, subminiaturized size and placement in the part of the protected cartridge chamber can provide mechanical protection. In addition, surge protection can be provided (no

15 represented) in the electronics of the blocking element. Protection against reversed polarity can also be provided, as well as coded communication between the operating unit 4 and the blocking element 42.

The safety device described above for a firearm with its different embodiments, which can also be combined with each other, has the advantage that it offers a way to secure firearms by

20 full administrative levels. It can be used in groups, for example with the joint use of firearms, operational units and administration of respective authorizations, or it can be used to integrate facilities such as authorities or public bodies, or military units.

In addition to possible technical adjustments to specific types of firearms, special emphasis is placed on the following 25 characteristics.

First, the option of a central system administration by means of globally valid operating unit passwords. Secondly, the possibility of granting user authorizations of the operating units 4 by means of specific individual certificates per unit. These may have temporary restrictions

30 or limitations on a certain type or number of uses.

Another aspect is the possibility of online administration. This may include, for example, a protocol for unlocking and blocking processes and / or a central authentication and / or a parameter switch at the level of the entire system.

Claims (13)

1.-Locking element (42) to be inserted into a cartridge chamber (420) of a firearm, wherein said blocking element is provided with a proximal end (220) and a distal end (260) comprising : an outer sleeve (14) with a movable operating element (16) provided therein, wherein the sleeve (14) comprises a diameter such that the locking element (42) is tightly fitted within the cartridge chamber (420) from the side of the cartridge chamber, said diameter being greater than the barrel diameter ( 6) of the firearm, wherein said operative element (16) is movably provided within at least one blocking element (18), wherein the operative element (16) is shaped and provided such that when the blocking element (42) is inserted with the distal end first in the cartridge chamber, the operating element (16) is moved in and with respect to the sleeve (14) in the distal direction, such that the at least one blocking element ( 18) moves to a retracted state, wherein the operative element is deflected by a spring element (31) in the proximal direction such that when the operative element (16) is moved inside the sleeve (14) in the direction of the proximal end, the operative element (16 ) causes the at least one locking element (18) to be forced radially outwardly and pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420) thereby blocking the cartridge chamber, wherein the at least one locking element (18) is pressed further against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420) if external pressure is applied from the distal end to the operating element (16), and  an actuator for unlocking the locking element, wherein the actuator is adapted to temporarily prevent a relative movement of the operating element (16) in the proximal direction. 2.-Locking element according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is adapted to temporarily fix the position between the operating element (16) and the outer sleeve (14) and the actuator is preferably operated by means of an electronic device ( 9) and wherein said electronic device is preferably located inside the sleeve 14. 3. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operative element (16) is constructed in such a way that the at least one blocking element (18) moves to a position in which said at least one blocking element is retracted and not pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420) when said operative element (16) is moved in the distal direction with respect to the sleeve (14) and the blocking elements preferably remain in the retracted position when said operative element is prevented from moving back in the proximal direction. 4. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

(i)

the operative element (16) projects partly beyond the sleeve (14) at the distal end such that it is placed in the barrel (6) when the blocking element is inside the cartridge chamber

(420) and / or

(ii)

The operating element (16) comprises a conical portion (16a) for forcing the at least one locking element (18) radially outward in the direction of the cartridge chamber (420).

5. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a spring element (31) moves the operating element (16) in the proximal direction such that the at least one locking element (18) is forced radially outwardly and pressed against the cartridge chamber (420) when the blocking element is located in the cartridge chamber. 6. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

(i)

the sleeve (14) comprises at the distal end a shoulder portion (80) to abut against the joint between the cartridge chamber (420) and the barrel (6) and / or

(ii)

The sleeve (14) comprises recesses (81) such that the at least one locking element (18) can extend partially beyond the sleeve and be pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber (420), where the element lock (18) forms a friction connection with the wall of the cartridge chamber (420).

7. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element comprises a plurality of blocking elements (18), wherein the blocking elements (18) are preferably spherical, and preferably balls, wherein the blocking elements (18) are preferably made of a material that is substantially more Hard than the material of the cartridge chamber (420). 8.-Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element further comprises at the proximal end (220) a movable connector support (61) within the sleeve (14) and attached to the operating element (16) , wherein the connector support (61) and the operating element (16) are preferably fixedly connected, preferably made of one piece and / or the connector support (61) and the operating element (16) are connected in such a way. so that the connector support (61) can be rotated with respect to the operating element (16). 9. Locking element according to claim 8, wherein the connector support (61) engages with a guide Tightening 5 that pushes the locking elements (18) radially outward if an intense force acts on the connector support (61) in the distal direction, and where the connector support (61) and / or the operating element ( 16) preferably comprises or comprises a means of protection (610) against perforation, made of hard alloy. 10. Locking element according to claim 8, wherein a gasket (99) is provided in the support of 10 connector (61) and / or in the operative element (16) to seal the locking element (42) against the cartridge chamber and / or the barrel. 11. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal element of the operating element (16) is skewed in the longitudinal direction. 12. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator activates a temporary fixing means to temporarily prevent a relative movement of the operating element in the proximal direction. 13. Locking element according to claim 12, wherein the temporary fixing means comprises a movable cage (32) with a rolling element guide with at least one ball element (34) to form a stop by retention ball in order to temporarily prevent the relative movement of the operating element in the proximal direction. 14. Locking element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises

(i)

at least a first wire element, an electric motor and / or a magnet array wherein the magnet array preferably comprises at least one coil and

(ii)

preferably a second wire element that provides a force directed in the opposite direction to the first wire element when both wire elements are heated.

15. Locking element according to claim 14, wherein both wire elements preferably comprise a shape memory alloy, for example a nickel-titanium alloy, whereby after being heated, for example by heating resistive, the wire elements of the blocking element contract in length, the resistive heating being activated by means of a device 35 electronic (9). 16.-Locking element according to claim 15, wherein the electronic device (9) is provided in the blocking element (42) and is operated through a separate operating unit (4), or is provided in the operating unit (4) and can operate the actuator of the locking element if the operating unit is 40 coupled to the locking element (42). 17. Operating unit (4) for use with a blocking element (42) according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the operating unit (4) comprises a coupling unit for coupling with the blocking element (42) . 18. Operating unit (4) according to claim 17, wherein the operating unit (4) is shaped such that it can preferably be coupled with the blocking element (42) via a data bus (48) from outside and / or in a wireless way and that can transmit and / or receive data, being able to make a wireless coupling between the operating unit (4) and the blocking element (42) via radio in the band of very 50 low frequency, low frequency, medium frequency and / or high frequency, for example, in a range of 3 kHz to 30 MHz, and / or an inductive coupling, and / or an optical coupling and / or an electromagnetic coupling, wherein The electromagnetic coupling is preferably performed in the microwave and UHF frequency range, for example from 400 MHz to 5 GHz. 19. Procedure for blocking a blocking element (42) according to any of claims 1 to 16, in a cartridge chamber (420) of a firearm, wherein the method comprises the steps of: inserting the element of blocking (42) in the cartridge chamber (420) of the firearm from the side of the cartridge chamber by applying a force in the distal direction, such that the operating element (16) is moved inside the sleeve (14) in the direction of the distal end such that the at least 60 a blocking element (18) is in a retracted position, where the decrease in force in the distal direction causes the operating element to move in the proximal direction inside the sleeve (14) and force the blocking elements ( 18) radially outward to lock the locking element (42) inside the cartridge chamber (420).